Amonette, Rebels Out Duel Cottrell, Cardinals in Double Overtime, Win 5th Central Tournament Title in a Row 79-68

(PARK HILLS) In the championship girls game, the Central Rebels defeated the Steelville Cardinals 79-68 in double overtime. Both teams were feisty on defense from the tip, as inside of the first quarter they combined for 13 turnovers. The score at the end of 1 was 26-24 favoring Steelville.

Fast forward to the 4th quarter where the Rebels would lead by 3 late but Steelville senior Hannah Cottrell would put the team on her back, with 11 fourth quarter points including this three to knot the game up at 51-51 with seconds left in regulation.

Cottrell would score 31 points for the Cardinals, 25 of them scored in the fourth quarter and overtime. Cottrell’s three would force the championship game into overtime between the Rebels and the Cardinals.

The rebels were lead early on by Karissa Belfield as she she scored 7 of the team’s first 9, but Skyler Amonette take over late as she scored 20 of her 29 total points from the fourth quarter on. Amonette played hero at the end of the first overtime period as she kept Central’s Championship dreams alive.

The Rebels would outscore the Cardinals 15-4 in the second and final overtime period en route to the victory. Central head coach Josh Mapes said spoke highly of his senior point guard.

The top ranked Central Rebels win their own tournament for the 5th year in a row and the 6th time in 7 years. The Rebels go into 2018 with an 12-1 record while the Cardinals enter the new year at 7-3.

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